Yuri Gagarin's Cabriolet Kept in Armenia Goes Up for Auction in Moscow

A cabriolet that was used by the first astronaut Yuri Gagarin has been put up for auction in Moscow. According to Russian Zvezda TV, the vehicle in question is a ZIL-111V, which Gagarin used to travel to the Kremlin upon his return from space.

The ZIL-111V is a unique model, with only 12 units produced. One of these vehicles was given to Fidel Castro, the former leader of Cuba, by the Soviet government. Gagarin drove the ZIL-111V only once, on April 14, 1961. Since that date, the cabriolet has never been painted or had its tires changed. Over more than fifty years, the car has covered a distance of 35,000 kilometers.

Throughout this entire period, the vehicle has been parked in Armenia, specifically in one of the special-purpose garages, where it was moved after being prepared to welcome the Shah of Iran.

The auction for the vehicle will take place on February 15 at the 'Old Times' auto salon in Moscow.